Carlyn James, M.Ed., MFA
Carlyn James, M.Ed., MFA, is a seasoned higher education professional, servant leader, and advocate for student success, currently serving as Senior Admissions Representative at South University in Savannah, Georgia. She began her career in higher education in 2015 within the Department of Cosmetology, a role that ignited her passion for mentoring and supporting students. Since then, Carlyn has gained diverse professional experience across admissions, finance, real estate lending, and education, including roles as a teacher and educational leader. Today, she not only advises students but also assists the Director of Admissions, ensuring a seamless, personalized experience for every student she serves.
Carlyn’s greatest joy in higher education comes from being a student’s first point of contact. She thrives on learning about students’ goals, inspiring non-traditional learners to pursue long-held ambitions, and encouraging them to explore opportunities such as entrepreneurship. Her hands-on, relational approach—often described as “getting all in your business, but it’s all to help you”—reflects her dedication to guiding students toward meaningful academic and personal growth. Through her work, Carlyn empowers students to embrace new possibilities while fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership.
Beyond her professional life, Carlyn is deeply committed to community, mentorship, and family. She honors her late father’s legacy in her hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana, through her work with the Clarence “CJ” James, Jr. Minority Scholarship and by serving the local Alumni Federation. Passionate about women’s leadership, her doctoral research focuses on elevating women in positions of influence. Carlyn also treasures her family, friends, and personal interests, which include fashion, beauty, and travel—pursuits that inspire creativity, connection, and balance in her life. Through her professional accomplishments, community involvement, and personal passions, Carlyn continues to make a meaningful impact, inspiring others to reach their fullest potential.
• Certificate in Women's Leadership from Yale
• Certificate in Women's Leadership from Spelman
• Certificate in Women's Leadership from LSU
• Management and Leadership Series MicroCert
• Certificate in Project Management
• Write & Cite - Writing Style Module & Competency Exam with South University
• Academic Preparedness
• Introduction to South University
• Nursing Resources
• Marquis Who's Who® 2024 Honored Listee
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Scholarship review for minority scholarship in father's honor at university in Thibodaux
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
• Nicholls State University
• KDP
• Rosa Verde Foundation, Incorporated
What do you attribute your success to?
I feel like being comfortable in my own skin and knowing who I am, knowing my worth and knowing my value, and standing in that - owning who I am, unapologetically. Self-love, self-care, and just truly being confident in who I am. I love to be unique. It's nice to see someone else and admire who they are as individuals, but as someone who is an artist, I love art, I love fashion, I love setting trends. It's okay to be different, and I think just owning that and standing in that is a part of who defines who I am, but then also being an inspiration to other women and other people, and letting them know, like, hey, you know, this is who I am, but it's okay to be who you are, too. That's what makes us who we are. I do owe God all the glory, because I'm nothing without God. I'm inspired by the people that are next to me, that are just as successful next to me. I think your vibe attracts the tribe, and the people that are connected to me, we pray together, we pray for each other, we know how to pray for each other. I'm very inspired by my family and vice versa, and I love seeing them succeed as well.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect. Respect for all mankind, and respect for myself, but definitely respect for others as well. I think to lead by example is to also just pour into what we want to see into the world as well. Sometimes we never know what someone else is going through, we never know what someone else's story is. But just, I think it's important to sometimes just meet people where they are, and it's okay. Work-life balance is very important to me, too. I love being a daughter, a lover of Christ - I definitely want to put God first in everything. I owe God all the glory, because I'm nothing without God. I honor my parents for making me, creating me, and being a mother. I also enjoy being a little sister, being an aunt, and anything involving my family's legacy, I'm here for it. Take care of what you love. What you love just may have to take care of you.